Vernetta Thomas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Vernetta, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of my work as an educator, what brings me the most joy is working on documentary projects—shooting and telling stories that matter. Lately, I’ve also been traveling internationally, and each trip becomes a rich photo opportunity, offering new perspectives and inspiration for my work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Vernetta Thomas—a photographer and educator with over a decade of experience teaching digital photography. I currently teach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Collin College and previously taught at the College of Southern Nevada, and the Otis College of Art and Design. I also lead photography and graphic design summer camps at private schools.
My work focuses on food, street, and documentary photography, and I’ve exhibited my work in venues throughout Texas. I studied photography in Europe, and Collin College, later earning a degree in Commercial Photography with a minor in Graphic Design.
Looking ahead, I’m expanding into sports, action, and more food and street photography—alongside new creative projects that blend AI with my original photographic work.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before I began teaching and shooting photography professionally, I spent many years working as an accountant and auditor. While that career offered structure and stability, it didn’t fulfill me creatively. Eventually, I made the decision to return to school and pursue what I truly loved—art.
My exposure to the arts started early. By the age of six, I was attending ballets, operas, museums, and galleries—experiences that left a lasting impression on me. My father, who served in the military in Germany, embraced photography during his time abroad and passed that passion on to both my sister and me. That introduction became the spark that eventually led me to a life in photography. Once I stepped into the world of visual storytelling, there was no turning back.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The greatest fear that once held me back was failure. Over time, I’ve grown braver and learned to embrace it. I now understand that failure isn’t something to avoid—it’s a powerful teacher that helps us grow stronger and wiser.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
People closest to me would say that fair treatment of every human being is essential. They would say that I believe in practicing an act of kindness each day—because kindness is contagious. Education is incredibly important; it’s a source of power that helps us see the world through a broader lens.
I’ve learned that accepting other cultures is something we all must embrace. There is so much to gain from exploring different customs, foods, religions, and ways of thinking. Tolerance and understanding are key.
Those who know me best would say I have a big heart, that I’m sensitive, hellish, and that I always stand up for what’s fair and right. They’d also say I’m a bit of a nutcase at times—I love to laugh and have a great time. (Sounds complex, right? LOL!)
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
These are things I regret not doing yet, but hopefully will accomplish some within the next 10 years: moving to Europe sooner, learning to surf, visiting Mexico City and Machu Picchu in Peru, experiencing the Northern Lights, and trying snow skiing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://capturethis2.com
- Instagram: @vernettam100
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-t-61b6b931/
Image Credits
Vernetta Thomas
